The Rolling Stones '50 & Counting'

We know it's only rock 'n' roll — but we like it! As the Stones go out on tour, view a gallery of their 50 years

With Suits to Match

En español | Mick Jagger (center) and Keith Richards (far right) were still teenagers when the Rolling Stones released their first single, "Come On," in June 1963. Also in the band: Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman and Brian Jones.

Michael Ochs Archives

Quickly to the Top

By 1964, the boys — from left, Bill, Brian, Charlie, Mick and Keith — were vying with the Beatles to be the world's most popular band.

Terry O'Neill/Getty Images

Mick, Off to Gaol

What's a 1960s rock band without a drug arrest? Mick and Keith were busted at a party in 1967; evidence years later suggested a police setup.

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The Death of Brian

Weeks after being booted from the band in June 1969, Brian Jones drowned in his swimming pool. He was 27. Charlie and Bill were the only Stones at the funeral.

Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Tragedy at Altamont

In one of rock's ghastliest moments, members of the Hells Angels stabbed a fan to death as the Stones played in Altamont, Calif., in 1969.

AP Photo

First No. 1 Album

In 1971 the Beatles were no more, and the Stones — now including Mick Taylor (second from left) — released their first album to hit No. 1 in both the U.S. and U.K.: Sticky Fingers.

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Exit Mick Taylor

The music video for 1974's "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll" was the last hurrah for guitarist Mick Taylor; the next year, Ronnie Wood would replace him.

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Rock and Royalty

Charlie chats with Princess Diana at the Royal Albert Hall in London after a 1983 benefit concert for the Prince of Wales Trust.

Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images

Wyman's Last Tour

Mick squeezes Keith at a 1989 press conference to kick off the "Steel Wheels" tour, which would be the last for Bill (left), who still does occasional cameos.

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Two Micks on 'SNL'

In what would become a Saturday Night Live signature moment, in 2001 Jimmy Fallon plays Mick's younger reflection in the mirror.

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You Talkin' to Me?

Director Martin Scorsese (center) with Keith, Charlie, Mick and Ron while filming his 2008 documentary about the band, Shine a Light.

Paramount Classics/Courtesy Everett Collection

Time Is on Their Side

It must be; after all, they're still performing at ages 65 (Ron), 69 (Mick and Keith) and 71 (Charlie). The "50 & Counting" tour, which had a preview gig in Newark, N.J., last fall (pictured), kicked off anew May 3.